Shadowed Desires

Chapter 34

No more vote targets, because if I keep waiting, you guys will stretch the story for a year and there are hardly 10-15 chapters left. I have just one request: it’s just a single click, and if you’re considerate, do it. Otherwise, you’re free to be silent readers and be a reason for someone’s demotivation. Share your own theories about future predictions in the comments box.

A few hours later...
Kritika had just woken up from her unconsciousness. But as soon as she regained consciousness, she panicked, realizing the reason for her condition.

Palak said, "Bhabhi aap rest kijiye. Your blood pressure had dropped down."
("Sister-in-law, please rest. Your blood pressure had dropped.")

Kritika replied, "Atharv ki jaan khatre mein hai Palak, mein aaram se kaise reh sakti hu."
("Atharv's life is in danger, Palak. How can I rest?")

Palak tried her best to stop her, but Kritika didn’t listen. As she passed through the hallway, she noticed the devastated state of Riddhima while Aarushi was counseling her.

That day she realized that even if a scratch is made to Atharv, the entire Shekhawat family would be shattered into pieces. For her, he is her beloved, but along with her, many people are affected by his presence and absence.

She wanted to hug Riddhima tightly and console her, but she knew her husband needed her more. She quickly left the hallway and was about to leave.

When Aditya reached there, Kritika asked, "Aditya, tell me that Atharv is alright, please."
("Aditya, mujhe batao ki Atharv theek hai, please.")

Before Aditya could speak, she heard a familiar voice, "Yeah." Tears brimmed in her eyes as she saw Atharv standing there. In the next moment, she threw herself into his arms.

Tears rolled down her cheeks and she broke into sobs. He pulled her into his embrace and caressed her back, letting her melt into him.

Atharv wiped her tears and said, "I am alright, Kritika. Don't cry."
("Main theek hoon Kritika. Rona mat.")

She looked at him with tear-filled eyes and said, "I thought I lost you."
("Maine socha maine tumhe kho diya.")

Atharv said, "You will never lose me, baccha."
("Tum mujhe kabhi nahi khogi, baccha.")

His shirt was stained with her tears. He pulled back from the hug. All three of them entered the house. The family was relieved that he was fine, but Riddhima couldn’t stop crying over the fact that Atharv was seconds away from death.

Aditya said, "Par bhai aap gaadi se bahar kaise aaye?"
("But brother, how did you get out of the car?")

Atharv said, "Jis jagah mein jaane wala tha waha pahuchne se 20 minutes pehle tyre puncture ho gaya. Jab main usse thik karne wala tha, maine tabhi bomb dekh liya usmein. Usmein 15 minutes bache hue the tab blast hone mein. Main us gaadi se door chala gaya aur after a while it blasted."
("Twenty minutes before reaching my destination, the tire got punctured. When I was about to fix it, I saw the bomb. There were 15 minutes left before it would blast. I moved away from the car and after a while, it exploded.")

Kritika wasn’t able to comprehend who could be this new person trying to harm him, as Aviraj was killed right in front of their eyes.

But the next moment, a message popped up on her phone from an anonymous number.

"Kritika Atharv Shekhawat, this time your husband survived. But maybe he won't be able to do the same in the future. So be mindful enough in taking decisions while taking any step ahead. You never know, your single step could shatter the happiness of the entire Shekhawat family."